The Jersey City Fire Department has reached a “historic” high of 682 uniformed firefighters and superiors, according to an administration announcement today.
The number was reached today as Mayor Fulop, Public Safety Director James Shea, and Fire Chief Steven McGill swore in 21 new firefighters who will be joining “the state’s largest municipal fire department.”
The ceremony took place this morning inside City Hall Council Chambers. A livestream of the event can be viewed here.
The administration has, according to the announcement, hired over 300 new firefighters.
“We have a distinguished, prestigious, and proud fire department, which is visible in the heroic actions of our firefighters every single day,” Fulop said at the ceremony. “Being a firefighter is a difficult job and I want to thank the 21 new firefighters as you raise your hand today and take the oath of office to join the best fire department in the state.”
The newest firefighters will be spread throughout the City’s 28 fire companies located citywide.
The Jersey City Fire Department averages approximately 14,000 emergency responses per year.
“This past summer, we grew the number of Fire Companies from 26 to 28 for the first time since the 1930s, and our new firefighters will be assigned to firehouses spanning the City to further enhance fire protection,” said JCFD Chief Steven McGill.